Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Security Preparedness for Final Political Party Rallies this Weekend

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United States Embassy Nairobi, Kenya

Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Security Preparedness for Final Political Party Rallies this Weekend
August 4, 2017

Political rallies will be held in downtown Nairobi and elsewhere this weekend, August 5-6, marking the end of Kenya’s formal election campaign period, and in advance of the Tuesday, August 8, general election. In addition to organized rallies by the major political parties, it is possible other rallies of varying size and duration could occur on short notice in Nairobi and throughout the country. Please be prepared for possible transportation or other disruptions that may occur with little or no warning.

Rallies, demonstrations, and protests may occur with little notice, and even those intended to be peaceful can escalate into violence. As with all large events, there is also the opportunity for criminal elements or terrorists to target participants and visitors. You should avoid areas of gatherings, protests, and demonstrations, and exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of any such events.

For further information:

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Nairobi enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency.

Regularly monitor the State Department’s Consular Affairs website. You can find current Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for Kenya, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Kenya. For additional information, refer to “Traveler’s Checklist” on the website. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries for information on travel advisories for countries around the world. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). In addition, you’ll find useful and up-to-date information for American travelers and foreign visa applicants on the State Department’s Consular Affairs’ twitter feed and Facebook page. And don’t forget U.S. Embassy Nairobi’s social media platforms! Our twitter feed is at https://twitter.com/USEmbassyKenya, and our Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/U.S.EmbassyNairobi.

The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi is located on United Nations Avenue Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya , tel. +254-20-363-6000. The Embassy’s website is at https://ke.usembassy.gov. You can contact the Consular Section of the Embassy by phone at +254(0)20-363-6451 or via email at Kenya_ACS@state.gov. For after-hours emergencies, please call +254-(0) 20-363-6170.